Troops of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded further operational successes with the surrender of a Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) terrorist and the arrest of 6 suspected members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate in separate operations conducted in Borno and Adamawa States.
This was contained in a statement signed by Captain Mohammed Goni Acting military information officer HQ JTF north east operation hadin Kai issued to newsmen.
It said on 13 September 2026, troops of 29 Task Force Brigade operating under Sector 2 OPHK, in conjunction with Forest Guards, received a repentant BH/ISWAP terrorist at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the terrorist escaped from a terrorist enclave with the intention of abandoning terrorism. Items recovered from him include one AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 4 magazines, one Improvised Explosive Device (IED), one magazine pouch and a bicycle. The surrendered terrorist is currently in military custody undergoing further investigation and profiling in accordance with extant procedures.
Relatedly, following credible human intelligence on the activities of a suspected kidnapping syndicate operating around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State, troops of Sector 4 OPHK, in conjunction with local hunters, swiftly mobilised and raided the identified hideout. The operation led to the arrest of 3 suspected members of the syndicate and the recovery of one Dane gun.
Further investigation and subsequent covert operations led to the arrest of 3 additional members of the syndicate, bringing the total number of suspects arrested to 6. Preliminary investigation revealed that the syndicate had been operating within the Soktu, Dumne and Maigero general areas of Song LGA. The suspects also reportedly admitted involvement in the abduction of several victims for ransom and other violent crimes within the area. They remain in military custody for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
These successes underscore the sustained pressure being mounted by troops of Operation HADIN KAI against terrorists and other criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area. The Theatre Command remains committed to sustaining offensive operations, denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action, creating a safer environment for law-abiding citizens and enabling environmental for socioeconomic activities to thrive.
